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Comprehensive Guide to Street Food in Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant street food scene. The city’s street food reflects its history, culture, and proximity to West Lake, offering a mix of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. Below is a detailed guide to help you explore Hangzhou’s street food culture.

Popular Street Food Items in Hangzhou

1. Cong Bao Hui (葱包烩) – Scallion Pancake Wrap

Ingredients: A thin, crispy pancake made from wheat flour, stuffed with fresh scallions, and often brushed with a sweet soy-based sauce.
Preparation: The pancake is pan-fried until golden and crispy, then wrapped around a fried dough stick (youtiao) or additional scallions for extra crunch.
Typical Cost: Around 5-10 RMB per piece.
Where to Find: Look for street vendors near Hefang Street (河坊街) or around local markets.
Tips: Eat it fresh off the griddle for the best texture. Be prepared for a slightly oily but incredibly flavorful snack.

2. Xiao Long Bao (小笼包) – Soup Dumplings

Ingredients: Thin dough wrappers filled with minced pork or crab meat and a rich, savory broth.
Preparation: Steamed in bamboo baskets, the dumplings are carefully crafted to hold the soup inside.
Typical Cost: 10-20 RMB for a basket of 6-8 dumplings.
Where to Find: Popular at night markets and small street-side stalls, especially near Wushan Night Market (吴山夜市).
Tips: Bite a small hole in the dumpling to let the steam escape before sipping the broth and eating the rest. Be cautious of the hot soup inside!

3. Hangzhou-Style Fried Noodles (炒面)

Ingredients: Fresh wheat noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, vegetables (like bok choy and bean sprouts), and sometimes meat or seafood.
Preparation: Cooked quickly in a wok over high heat, ensuring a smoky, slightly charred flavor.
Typical Cost: 10-15 RMB per serving.
Where to Find: Street vendors near universities or residential areas often sell this as a quick meal.
Tips: Ask for less oil if you prefer a lighter dish, as street vendors often use generous amounts of oil for frying.

4. West Lake Lotus Root Starch (西湖藕粉)

Ingredients: Powdered lotus root starch mixed with water, sugar, and sometimes osmanthus flowers or nuts.
Preparation: The starch is dissolved in hot water, creating a smooth, jelly-like dessert.
Typical Cost: 8-12 RMB per bowl.
Where to Find: Vendors near West Lake (西湖) or tourist areas like Qinghefang Ancient Street (清河坊).
Tips: This is a sweet and refreshing snack, perfect for cooling down on a warm day.

5. Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡)

Ingredients: A whole chicken marinated with spices, wrapped in lotus leaves, and coated in clay.
Preparation: Traditionally baked in a clay oven, the chicken is slow-cooked to retain its juices and absorb the aroma of the lotus leaves.
Typical Cost: 50-100 RMB for a portion (often shared).
Where to Find: While it’s more common in restaurants, some street vendors offer smaller portions of this iconic dish.
Tips: This dish is best shared with friends or family. Be prepared for a slightly messy but rewarding eating experience.

6. Douhua (豆花) – Silken Tofu Pudding

Ingredients: Fresh silken tofu served with sweet syrup, brown sugar, or savory toppings like soy sauce and scallions.
Preparation: The tofu is steamed and served warm or cold, depending on the season.
Typical Cost: 5-8 RMB per bowl.
Where to Find: Commonly sold by mobile vendors with large steaming pots.
Tips: Try both the sweet and savory versions to experience the versatility of this dish.

7. Jianbing (煎饼) – Chinese Crepe

Ingredients: A thin batter made from wheat and mung bean flour, topped with egg, scallions, cilantro, and a crispy fried cracker (baocui).
Preparation: Cooked on a hot griddle, the crepe is folded and served hot.
Typical Cost: 6-12 RMB per piece.
Where to Find: Morning markets and busy intersections are prime spots for jianbing vendors.
Tips: This is a popular breakfast item, so head out early to grab one fresh.

Where to Find Street Food in Hangzhou

Hefang Street (河坊街)
- A historic pedestrian street lined with food stalls and shops. It’s a great place to sample a variety of local snacks in one location.
- Best Time to Visit: Evening, when the street is lively and bustling.
Wushan Night Market (吴山夜市)
- A vibrant night market offering everything from street food to souvenirs.
- Best Time to Visit: After 6 PM, when most vendors set up their stalls.
Qinghefang Ancient Street (清河坊古街)
- Known for its traditional architecture and local delicacies, this area is perfect for trying Hangzhou specialties.
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to evening.
University Areas
- Streets near Zhejiang University and other campuses are filled with affordable and authentic street food options, catering to students.

Cultural and Practical Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Hangzhou

Hygiene:
- Choose vendors with high turnover, as their ingredients are likely fresher.
- Look for stalls where food is cooked to order, minimizing the risk of contamination.
Cash or Mobile Payment:
- Most street vendors accept cash (RMB) or mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Carry small bills or coins for convenience.
Timing:
- Street food is most abundant in the evenings, especially at night markets. Morning markets are ideal for breakfast items like jianbing.
Etiquette:
- It’s common to eat street food while standing or walking. However, some vendors may provide small stools or tables.
- Avoid haggling over prices, as street food is already very affordable.
Dietary Restrictions:
- If you have dietary restrictions, learn a few key phrases in Mandarin to communicate your needs (e.g., "No meat" – 不要肉, "No spicy" – 不要辣).
Seasonal Specialties:
- Some street foods are seasonal. For example, roasted sweet potatoes (烤红薯) are popular in winter, while cold desserts like lotus root starch are favored in summer.
Be Adventurous:
- Don’t hesitate to try unfamiliar dishes. Hangzhou’s street food is a gateway to its rich culinary culture.

Conclusion

Hangzhou’s street food scene is a delightful blend of tradition, flavor, and affordability. From savory pancakes to sweet tofu pudding, the city offers something for every palate. By exploring popular spots like Hefang Street and Wushan Night Market, and following the tips above, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the best of Hangzhou’s street food culture. Bon appétit (or as they say in Mandarin, 慢慢吃, meaning "eat slowly and enjoy")!